Irene Karedis Borys is the new assistant vice president of marketing and brand communication at Augustana College, the Rock Island-based liberal arts school announced this week.
Ms. Borys took over her new post on Monday, Aug. 19.
Ms. Borys most recently served as vice president of client experience and integrator for The Childress Agency. She joined that firm in November 2022.
In her new position, Ms. Borys will lead the college’s Office of Communication and Marketing. It includes a multi-talented team of 12 staff members who serve enrollment marketing, brand strategy, campus and alumni communications, media engagement and event management, the college said in a news release.
As assistant vice president, Ms. Borys will oversee the planning, development and execution of the college’s marketing and brand initiatives. Her primary responsibility includes shaping the college’s brand and promotion strategy. She said in the release she is delighted to assume this role and work with such a skilled team.
“Together we will build on Augustana’s bright achievements as we pursue Bold & Boundless,” she said. “I am confident in the match of values, energy and creativity to advance the bright futures of both our students and our Quad-Cities community.”
Experience runs deep
Ms. Borys will report to Ken Barnds, Augustana College’s executive vice president for strategy, innovation and enrollment. He said that Ms. Borys brings more than 10 years of experience in marketing, project management, communication and relationship building.
“We’re thrilled to have Irene join Augustana in order to partner with staff and senior leadership to advance the college’s goals,” Mr. Barnds said in the release. “Irene brings strong leadership and comprehensive marketing experience to an excellent team.”
Besides serving The Childress Agency, in November 2022 Ms. Borys served the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce and UnityPoint Health.
Before coming to the Quad Cities, she held roles in marketing for more than six years after nearly four years in government relations in Washington, D.C.
Ms. Borys earned a master’s in national security affairs with a focus on public diplomacy and political warfare from the Institute of World Politics, Washington, D.C., and a bachelor’s in English and international relations and a minor in Spanish in 2006 from Pennsylvania State University, University Park.
